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On Tuesday, after Mom got off work, I decided to take her down to my favorite little spot on the bay in Montrose. We made it right before the sun started to set and it was absolutely gorgeous. She loved it and I have a feeling she's really looking forward to her future visits.

Naturally we took advantage of the golden hour and got a few photos.

I was originally supposed to head back to Tuscaloosa and get more work done on the house so we can list, but honestly I think a break is what I really need. Everything has been going smoothly, but I can always use a little more time with family. I can also always count on one of them to have something going on that they might need some help with, and I love being here and jumping right in. It's just part of who I am.

My sister-in-law nailed it the other day when she said "you're a passionate person." We'd been talking about the blog and writing and why I do such as this. And that word might have just been the missing puzzle piece to understanding who I am.

For so long, as long as I can remember, I've been very analytical and introspective-- to a fault.

Growing up I really suffered with self-esteem issues and negativity. I'm a perfectionist so I was always beating myself up about my failures and flaws. I wouldn't say I had bad comparison issues (we all have some) but more so always held myself to a certain standard of who I thought I should be all the while knowing exactly who and what I "couldn't" be.

So I had this idea of all the qualities I thought I should have, and when reality set in and slapped me in the face with the obvious, yet again I'd find myself disappointed in who I am. And here I am blogging... putting myself out there by sharing both my thoughts and personal photos.

I have to admit, stepping in front of a camera a few months ago to start documenting memories and blogging was really awkward and felt very unnatural for me. It was a huge setup for now not only me seeing myself in all of my flaws, but everyone else who kept up with this whole thing too. Now everyone could talk about me in whatever way they please. "There's sure to be something they'll find that isn't perfect in any given post." But I knew that my youth can only be looked back at in photos one day when I'm older (hopefully)--maybe showing my kids and grandkids the adventures I'd had and letting them read what I'd had to say about each one. So I sucked it up and got use to it, and though I still fear people thinking I'm vain, I know the truth and continue to do it anyway.

Why? Because its become a form of self love I've had to learn. I've had to learn it's okay to be flawed because God didn't put me on this earth to be perfect. He put me here to be exactly as I am, yet he still gives me control to change a few variables. But I've learned not to try and stray too far from what he has instilled in me. Not to hate my brown eyes, but to accept the extra warmth they lend my face. Not to worry about the things that I can't change about myself physically, and learn to reign in the negatives of my personality traits and use them in a positive way. Also, to recognize and be proud of those traits.

One of those things, possibly the very one word I'd now use to describe myself-- Passion(ate).

Passion is the very thing that pushes me to do the things I do. Some outcomes are great, others I have to be careful with. It's the reason I have only a few really close friends and a strong connection with my family. Being passionate, I only want real and meaningful relationships and like to surround myself with people who genuinely care as much as I do. I use to hate that about myself-- I'd always wished I could make more new friends. It's what drives me in any project I set out on to see it to completion and make sure it's done right. But with that I can also become a bit obsessive and find myself wanting to do whatever it might be right then and there, even if it's at 10 o'clock at night. It often leads to disappointment because of the dreamer that I am. Passion can make those dreams grow really big and expectations high... and once the moments come, we all know that life happens and things often don't go as expected. It also lends in my inconsistency. I fail to have more balance because I'm always searching for the exemplary, in both everyday life and relationships. I can very quickly make up my mind to set a dream aside because it doesn't fulfill those huge expectations I'd dreamed up.

What I'm saying here is those things I mentioned above... those things I could easily pick out every negative scenario that each trait might get me into. I could reflect on all my failures and blame it on those strong desires I'd had that might've led me to give too much of myself to any one thing. Or I could think about all the good I've done with those qualities and the desire it gives me to care so deeply for others, to always want to help, to feel that theres always a solution and keep innovating until a problem is solved. I could instead be proud of the fact that I pour everything I have into all that I do, whether it turns out better than expected or subpar. I can feel a sense of fulfillment in wanting to encourage others, even if that means sharing a bit more than most do. And I can be confident in who I am because that's who the Lord has made me to be.

So cliché, but this is proof that I live in my duck boots, haha!

It's truly all about your mindset and positivity. You have the power of perspective, so make it a good one. Be proud of all that makes you YOU. There can only be one you. Don't doubt those traits. God put them there for a great reason-- to serve in YOUR PUROSE. That's pretty huge too, that we all have a purpose, and all that you are is meant to lend to it-- physically and mentally. I strongly believe it.

Wow.... Can't believe I'm finally getting to write this post, yall!! This is one post I've looked forward to for a while now. A little dream I've been dreaming for over a year. And BOOM! All of a sudden it's here. The time has come and it came swiftly.

Though I'm so excited, I'm also super nervous. I've never moved houses before. Never had to sell a house. I mean I've moved into our first home and into apartments back in college days, but to move houses...(squeals)!!!!

An adventure this will surely be, but a good one at that! So where to?? I bet you've already guessed it......

Fairhope, Alabama!!!!

Y'all, I am so excited to write those words. I love that place so much, and best part-- it's so close to my hometown, Monroeville, AL. Monroeville is where my heart will always reside, and it will always be the place I refer to as home, though I'm pretty sure that drives Todd crazy! It's just a little too small in this phase of life. And definitely too small for Todd. In fact, I think Fairhope will be quite an adjustment for him, even though we will be a short distance from Mobile. He'd be happiest in somewhere like New York, I'm convinced, haha!! I'm total opposite. I've got to have some woods, some water, and just nature in my life to truly be happy. But he does love the idea of being nearer to family, and I'm thankful for his sacrifice. Plus, he seems to really be excited about this move in his career!! He knows how much I've desired to be closer to friends and family. And though Tuscaloosa wasn't technically far from home, It wasn't close enough for a day trip. We would always have to stay the night. So now, we can make it to certain family events and still make it back home for work the next day. I've said for so long that I'd never move back to Monroeville, and I still don't totally know that we ever will, butttt I will say that as I get older, I tend to consider it a little more. Still it's one of those things I don't think would ever be seriously considered for a while.

Now, onto our plans from here on out:

I'm sure if you've been following along on my instagram stories, you've noticed all the painting and cleaning and work I've been doing in the house. I've been getting it ready to sell and we will be listing later this week when I get home!! I'm actually in Monroeville now as I write this. I'd made the trip home just last night to get a lot of things I've cleaned out of our storage room to get a head start on moving. I really prefer to do this a little at a time while we have time! I've still got to finish painting doors and trim in the house and complete some touch-ups, but it's all really moving along quickly.

Todd will start his new job in Daphne after the first week of February. He will move down there and live in his dad's RV for 3 months, and I'll join him as soon as the house is sold and we're all moved out. We are allowing ourselves these 3 months in the RV to give us time to make a sound decision on what action to take next as far as housing goes. I have this gut feeling we will be renting an apartment for 6 months to a year, no matter, because we will more than likely be renovating to some degree or maybe even building!!! We will just have to see how it all pans out. So tag along and keep up with this super exciting journey if you'd like! We'd love to have you here for support, advice, and any ideas you'll want to bounce our way!!

I hope you'll enjoy this video I've put together of my favorite little spot in Montrose, which is connected to Fairhope and Daphne and the place I truly hope we find a house!! Thanks for reading and for your support-- I love you guys!!

**SIDE NOTE: If you click on the youtube logo on this video below and you can watch it in full size on the website!!

One of my favorite things in the world growing up was Mom's hot chocolate. Anytime it started getting cold out, or any morning I woke up with a sore throat, I'd request that she make it for me. It could make anything better! It's perfectly rich and still the best hot chocolate I've had to date. I hope you'll enjoy this recipe and share it with family and friends this holiday season!!

This recipe is made per cup, so multiply by the amount of cups you'll be serving!

Mama's Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

1 Tbl spoon of Hershey's Cocoa

2 Tbl spoons of Sugar

1 mug of Milk (Measure by the cup you'll be serving it in)

1/2 t spoon Vanilla Extract

Pinch of Salt

Directions:

In a boiler, add cocoa, sugar, and pinch of salt and whisk to remover lumps. Place over medium heat and slowly add in milk stirring constantly with whisk. Let heat for 10 minutes, stirring liberally, never letting it come to a boil (adjust your heat if you need to). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Top with marshmallows, whip cream, cinnamon sticks, peppermint, or a combination of whatever you'd like!!

If you enjoy this recipe, let me know by leaving a comment below or even emailing me a picture of your festive creation!!